For a good reason, brick paver driveways are rising in popularity here in Orlando. Not only do they look good, but they are so practical. They are not too difficult to install on your own, right? Many handy homeowners have had similar thoughts, but we will cover the differences in a DIY paver driveway vs. hiring a professional paver company.
It’s not as simple as it appears to install a brick paver driveway. Stores that sell these pavers may tell you that they are easy to complete. However, in reality, it is still a formidable job, and you will need some expertise to do it correctly.
For example, you need to lay a high-quality base material so your driveway in Orlando will have a solid foundation. You’ll need to pack this tightly, which may mean renting a plate compactor depending on the size of your project.
You need to put a 100% level paver sand layer over it. This can be difficult because if you spend a lot of time and energy leveling, and someone or something messes it up, you’ll have to start over. But if you are careful, it will be worth it.
It’s difficult to determine how much of this stuff you’ll need. Your project might cost more than you anticipated. This is all easy from our professional perspective with over 20 years of experience, we do this every single week. If it’s your first installation, that will be different. Make sure that you do not mess up the base. If you do not install it correctly, the driveway will be uneven, and some pavers may stick up. If you want a detailed pattern, it will get more complicated.
Be sure to add extra time for your DIY project to the plan since projects always take longer than you think they will.
Pros of DIY Pavers
If you get it right the first time, it can save you money
Cons of DIY Pavers
You may not install the driveway with proper specifications
We all need more time, and this is a project that will most certainly take a single homeowner several days to complete
Most homeowners do not have the adequate tools and materials
Significant expenses will add up that you may not have planned for
A skilled driveway installation will last for many years. The foundation will be appropriately placed, so you won’t have to worry about uneven pavers.
Installers with a lot of expertise installing driveways can get the job done quickly. An experienced crew will complete the task in a matter of hours, so you may enjoy your weekend without worrying about it. You’ll have a brand-new driveway in your backyard when you return.
Pros of Hiring an Experienced Driveway Paver
Cons of Hiring an Experienced Driveway Paver
Installing a brick paver driveway is not an easy job. Even if you are experienced with home repairs, it can be a significant headache to do this job yourself.
If you know all this but want to move forward, you should have a clear plan before starting your project. This includes sketches of what the final product should look like. Make sure that your project is feasible and within your budget by compiling a complete list of everything you’ll need for the job. Failing to prepare properly could leave you with a hole in your yard that you can’t afford.
You’ll also want a lot of sand and base material in addition to your pavers. For a 20×40 driveway, you’ll need around 60 bags of sand. You’ll also need leveling string, piping, and wood for a frame, among other things. Make sure you include these costs in your budget. It will take a lot of time, work, and money to haul in all that sand. You’ll need a lot of materials, so you might have to hire some help.
You will need some tools to install your pavers. You will need a compactor to pack down the base and a stone cutting tool if you want something other than square stone pavers. These tools can be dangerous to operate if you do not have proper training. They may also require a deposit, so consider that cost if you’ve never used them before.
One of the benefits of doing landscaping work yourself is that you don’t have to pay for labor. This can save you a lot of time and energy. However, it’s important to remember that even if you don’t have to pay for someone else to do the work, you still have to do it yourself! This can end up turning into the biggest downfall of most DIYers after realizing they have a never-ending project and an aching body.
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